### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun χρῆσις (chrēsis), transliterated as *chrēsis*, is derived from the verb χράομαι (chraomai), which signifies "to use," "to employ," or "to make use of." Consequently, the fundamental meaning of χρῆσις encompasses concepts such as "use," "employment," "application," or "manner of using." While the word can denote any form of utilization or practice, its specific biblical occurrences, as defined by the Strong's lexicon, highlight a specialized application: "sexual intercourse (as an occupation of the body)." This particular semantic nuance is crucial for understanding its theological import within the New Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term χρῆσις appears exclusively twice in the New Testament, both instances occurring within Paul's epistle to the Romans, specifically in his powerful indictment of Gentile idolatry and subsequent moral decline.
* **[[Romans 1:26]]**: "For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations (τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν) for those that are contrary to nature."
* Here, χρῆσις is modified by the adjective φυσικὴν (physiken), meaning "natural." The phrase τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν unequivocally refers to "natural use" in the context of sexual relations, specifically heterosexual intercourse as established by creation. The verse condemns the abandonment of this natural order for practices described as παρὰ φύσιν (para physin), "contrary to nature."
* **[[Romans 1:27]]**: "and the men likewise gave up natural relations (τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν) with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error."
* Again, τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν denotes "natural use" in a sexual context, referring to the divinely ordained heterosexual union. This "natural use" is contrasted with homosexual acts, which are presented as a further manifestation of humanity's rebellion against God and a consequence of being "given over" to dishonorable passions.
In both instances, χρῆσις functions to describe the "use" or "practice" of sexual relations, with the adjective "natural" serving as a critical qualifier that anchors the discussion in the created order and God's design for human sexuality. The context is one of profound moral degradation stemming from spiritual apostasy.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding χρῆσις is enhanced by examining its linguistic and conceptual neighbors:
* **χράομαι (chraomai):** The verbal root `{{G5530}}` from which χρῆσις derives, meaning "to use" or "to employ." This connection highlights the core idea of applying something for a purpose.
* **φυσικὴν (physiken):** Meaning "natural" or "according to nature." This crucial adjective `{{G5446}}` defines the specific kind of "use" discussed in Romans 1, pointing to creation's design.
* **παρὰ φύσιν (para physin):** This phrase, meaning "contrary to nature," directly contrasts with φυσικὴν χρῆσις, emphasizing a deviation from the divinely established order. φύσις `{{G5449}}` itself signifies "nature" or "inherent character."
* **ἀσχημοσύνη (aschēmosynē):** `{{G808}}` meaning "shamelessness" or "indecency." This term describes the nature of the acts resulting from the "unnatural use," reinforcing their moral reprehensibility.
* **πάθος (pathos):** `{{G3806}}` meaning "passion" or "lust." The context of Romans 1:26 indicates that people were "given up to dishonorable passions," which drove them to deviate from the natural χρῆσις.
* **Biblical Anthropology and Sexuality:** The concept of χρῆσις in Romans 1 is deeply intertwined with biblical teachings on human design (male and female), the purpose of sexuality, and the boundaries of sexual expression within God's created order. It implicitly references the Genesis account of creation and the union of male and female.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of χρῆσις in Romans 1 is profound, serving as a linchpin in Paul's argument concerning humanity's fall and God's righteous judgment.
1. **Creation Order and Natural Law:** The phrase τὴν φυσικὴν χρῆσιν establishes a concept of "natural law" or "creation order" as a basis for moral discernment. Paul posits that humanity, by rejecting the Creator, also rejected the inherent order embedded in creation, particularly concerning human sexuality. The "natural use" is thus understood as God's original design for sexual relations—heterosexual and within its proper boundaries.
2. **Consequence of Idolatry:** The deviation from "natural use" to "unnatural use" (παρὰ φύσιν) is presented not merely as a moral failing but as a direct consequence and manifestation of humanity's idolatry and spiritual rebellion against God. Being "given over" (παρέδωκεν) by God to dishonorable passions is a form of divine judgment, where humanity experiences the destructive consequences of its own choices.
3. **The Body as a Locus of Rebellion:** The use of χρῆσις highlights the body itself as a sphere where humanity's rebellion against God is expressed. When the mind rejects God, the body's functions, including sexual ones, become distorted and perverted from their intended purpose.
4. **Foundation for Sexual Ethics:** This passage, utilizing χρῆσις, is foundational for understanding the biblical perspective on homosexuality, framing it not primarily as a social or psychological issue, but as a theological one—a departure from the Creator's design for human sexuality and a symptom of deeper spiritual alienation from God.
### Summary
The Greek word χρῆσις (chrēsis) fundamentally means "use" or "employment." In its exclusive New Testament occurrences in [[Romans 1:26-27]], it specifically refers to the "use" of sexual relations. Qualified by the adjective φυσικὴν ("natural"), it denotes the divinely intended, heterosexual sexual relations established at creation. Paul contrasts this "natural use" with "unnatural" practices, presenting the latter as a direct consequence and visible sign of humanity's idolatry and rebellion against God. Thus, χρῆσις carries significant theological weight, grounding moral norms for sexuality in the created order and underscoring the severe consequences—including moral degradation and a perversion of the body's intended functions—that result from deviating from God's design. It is a key term in Paul's argument linking spiritual apostasy with moral depravity.
TRV